WILLIE PETERS says Hull KR are putting more resources into developing its youth system amid criticism being levelled at the club for failing to bring through young players in recent seasons.
At the end of a punishing run of four matches in 14 days, Peters made a swathe of changes to his team for Thursday’s 46-0 defeat at Wigan Warriors.
Key players Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Joe Burgess, Jez Litten, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor and Elliot Minchella were all rested up ahead of their final two matches, at home to Huddersfield Giants this Friday then away to St Helens in a potential decider for the final play-off spot.
Debuts were given to club-produced forwards Frankie Dearlove and Alfie Woods, as well as former Salford back Declan Murphy.
Three other youngsters reared by their pathway were also involved in backs Harvey Horne and Louix Gorman plus forward Zach Fishwick.
It was a first Super League game in Hull KR colours for Horne and only a second for Gorman, while Fishwick hadn’t made a first-team appearance since 2022, before Peters took charge.
Peters has defended the lack of game time previously given to Robins graduates, insisting: “You’ve got to develop them the right way.
“When players are ready, they will be ready. I’ve heard some comments coming from individuals that don’t go to watch Academy or reserves games.
“They are not seeing these players day-to-day and coming back with facts, but our pathways coaching staff communicate with us regularly. There is a process in place.”
Peters went further, explaining that Hull KR are now investing greater resources in the youth set-up to be able to bring through more starlets into the first team.
“I said after just a few months at the club that we needed to work on our youth system,” he said.
“Over the course of the years, how many players have come through our youth system? There aren’t many.
“It’s been an ongoing issue that we need to get right as a club. The club is putting more resources into it now.”